• New images show immediate aftermath of tsunami striking Fukushima nuclear plant

    Reuters

    Further waves approach the Fukushima nuclear power plant immediately after a tsunami struck, about 40 minutes following a magnitude 9 earthquake in Tomioka, Fukushima prefecture, Japan in this still image taken from a March 11, 2011 video released by the Ministry of Transport Tohuku Regional Bureau via Reuters TV.

    Reuters

    Waves accompanying a tsunami approach the coastline and the Fukushima nuclear power plant in this still image taken from a March 11, 2011 video released by the Ministry of Transport Tohuku Regional Bureau via Reuters TV.

    Reuters

    An aerial view shows the immediate aftermath at the Fukushima nuclear power plant after it was hit by a tsunami, in this still image taken from a March 11, 2011 video released by the Ministry of Transport Tohuku Regional Bureau via Reuters TV.

    By David R Arnott, NBC News

    Follow the latest developments at the Fukushima plant and see more images of the disaster in Japan in our slideshow.

  • Kyodo News via AP

    Workers, who stepped into radiation-contaminated water during Thursday's operation at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant, are shielded with tarps before receiving decontamination treatment at a hospital in Fukushima, northeastern Japan on March 25. Later the men were transferred to a radiology medical institute for further treatment.

    Japan nuclear plant workers hospitalized after stepping in highly radioactive water

    A suspected breach in the reactor core at one unit of a stricken Fukushima nuclear plant could mean more serious radioactive contamination, Japanese officials said Friday, revealing what may prove a major setback in the mission to bring the leaking plant under control.

    The uncertain situation halted work Friday at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear complex, where dozens had been working feverishly to stop the overheated plant from leaking dangerous radiation, officials said.

    Suspicions of a possible breach were raised when two workers waded into water 10,000 more radioactive than normal and suffered skin burns, the Nuclear and Industry Safety Agency said. Continue reading.